Drug Policy Network Urges PM Srettha to Back Citizen Cannabis Bill
A drug prevention foundation urged PM Srettha to endorse a citizen-drafted cannabis bill focused on medical use, backed by over 17,000 citizens and emphasizing strict safeguards to prevent recreational misuse and social harm.
The Drug Prevention and Academic Center Foundation, led by Watchrapong Phumchuen and professor Niyada Kiatying-Angsulee, submitted a letter to Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul and Bhumjaithai Party leader on September 16, requesting his endorsement of a citizen-drafted cannabis bill focused on medical and economic benefits.
The foundation outlined three main requests: that Bhumjaithai Party accelerate legislative action on cannabis legislation while strictly adhering to medical use principles and equal patient access while rejecting recreational purposes; that the Prime Minister sign and endorse the citizen-drafted bill, which has been co-sponsored by 17,343 citizens; and that the foundation and partner networks will support government efforts to prevent and address drug abuse while mitigating harms from cannabis misuse.
Professor Niyada emphasized that while medical cannabis offers genuine benefits to patients, proper management is essential to prevent social harm. She proposed six key safeguards: ensuring patients access cannabis through correct medical frameworks combining Thai traditional and modern medicine; protecting consumers and patients from fraud and undisclosed mixing in products; strict government monitoring and transparency of safety data with civil society participation; special protections for children given their heightened vulnerability; state support for cannabis-based drug research and development; and prime ministerial backing for civil society's role in proposing and endorsing the current bill as financial legislation.
